Catherine of Siena

Theological Studies, June, 1999 by Diana L. Villegas

CATHERINE OF SIENA. By Giuliana Cavallini, O.P. Outstanding Christian Thinkers. New York: Cassell and Continuum, 1998. Pp. xxvii 163. $60; $21.50.

Cavallini offers something akin to a thematic anthology of important themes in Catherine's thought, bringing together material from all of her works. She has very aptly selected the texts that make up approximately 60 to 75% of the book, and her introductions and transitions guide the reader to appreciate the depth and complexity of Catherine's wisdom, while experiencing her unique literary style. Given that this style makes Catherine's thought not easily accessible, and given that important aspects of her thought are interspersed among her 351 letters (most of these not yet in English translation), C.'s work contributes a useful introductory tool to the English literature on Catherine.

Yet this volume could have been more valuable in a number of ways. Even though, as part of the Outstanding Christian Thinkers series, it is intended both for the general reader and the scholar, the book is more appropriate for the general reader, as references to scholarship on Catherine are few. If C.'s introductions and transitions incorporated inclusive language, the text might be more valuable for use in university or seminary courses. C.'s citations are to the Italian critical texts only and all passages are translated by her. This has the positive value of offering English readers access to important letters not yet translated. However, it has the drawback of making more difficult further reading in the excellent English translations of the critical editions of The Dialogue and The Prayers.

DIANA L. VILLEGAS

Boston College